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    Home / Dinner / Tikin Xic

    Tikin Xic

    A traditional Yucatecan dish — Tikin Xic is fish the Mayan way: grouper or snapper slathered in achiote and sour orange, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over coals or in the oven.

    ⏱ 20 minPrep time
    🔥 30 minCook time
    🍽 6Servings
    🏷 DinnerCategory
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    Yucatecan tikin xic achiote grilled fish

    A traditional Yucatecan dish — Tikin Xic is fish the Mayan way: grouper or snapper slathered in achiote and sour orange, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over coals or in the oven. The banana leaf steams the fish while the achiote lacquers it a brilliant sunset red. Along the coast it is a Friday and Lent tradition, served with pickled onions and lime.

    Yucatán recipes →

    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Blend the achiote paste, sour orange juice, garlic, oregano, cumin and salt into a smooth marinade.
    2. Coat the fish generously on both sides and let it marinate for 30 to 60 minutes in the refrigerator.
    3. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), or prepare a medium-hot grill.
    4. Lay out a double layer of banana leaves, place the fish in the center, scatter the onion slices on top, and wrap into a tight parcel.
    5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or grill for 12 to 15 minutes per side, until the fish flakes easily.
    6. Serve the fish straight from the leaf with lime wedges, pickled onions and habanero salsa.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    If banana leaves are unavailable, wrap in foil and brush the fish with a little extra sour orange juice. The traditional cooking is over wood coals, which adds a faint smoke that suits the achiote beautifully.

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    Recipe details

    Prep20 min
    Cook30 min
    Servings6
    CategoryDinner
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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